Team GB diver Jack Laugher has recently shed light on an unconventional way he’s supporting his Olympic ambitions: through OnlyFans, a platform predominantly associated with adult entertainment.
This revelation comes as a surprise to many, as the site is typically linked to sex work rather than sports funding.
Let’s set the scene for a moment. Picture the Olympic oath being taken this Friday on the Seine, with athletes pledging to uphold the integrity of the Games.
The oath is a solemn promise to compete fairly, free from doping and drugs, and to honor the spirit of sportsmanship. Yet, in light of past scandals, the purity of this pledge has often been questioned.
The 1988 Seoul Olympics, where Ben Johnson’s gold medal was tainted by a doping scandal, and the subsequent revelations about other athletes like Tyson Gay, have shown that the dream of a drug-free Games is often overshadowed by reality.
When Pierre de Coubertin founded the modern Olympic movement in the 1890s, he was inspired by the ideals of Muscular Christianity, drawing from the traditions of England’s public schools.
His vision, which also mirrored the structure of the Henley Royal Regatta, aimed for an idealistic and noble competition.
But those ideals feel increasingly outdated in today’s world.
The Controversy of Modern Fundraising
In this modern context, it’s jarring to see athletes like Laugher and his teammates, including Tom Daley’s partner Noah Williams, turning to OnlyFans to support their careers.
The platform’s association with adult content makes their presence there particularly controversial. A colleague provided me with some of their content, saving me from having to subscribe myself.
While divers might not wear much compared to other athletes, posing semi-naked for a subscription fee on a site with such a reputation raises serious questions about propriety.
A Question of Decency
Laugher justifies his actions by citing the financial challenges faced by athletes outside the spotlight.
However, with the internet’s pervasive exposure to adult content, does this approach set the right example? The British Olympic Association should address this issue, ensuring that athletes maintain a level of decency, even if the actions aren’t illegal.
Laugher’s stance—that he feels comfortable with his choice—might be rationalized in the context of widespread doping scandals, but it still falls short of the ideals that should guide the Olympics.
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